Versatility is the strength of Scheyer’s game

Jon Scheyer has proven himself to be a versatile player at Duke. He has the ability to score, rebound, defend, and run the offense. Prior to his arrival in Durham, the 6-5 180 pound shooting guard became infamous by scoring 21 points in 75 seconds as a senior on Glenbrook North HS basketball team. Ranked as the twentieth best player in the Class of 2006, and the number three shooting guard, Blue Devil fans much anticipated Scheyer’s arrival in Durham.

Over the course of his first two seasons, Scheyer has lived up to the hype by averaging 11.9 points in 31 minutes per game. He has also dished out 2.1 assist per game and served as the back-up point guard. Duke’s offense efficiently flows with Scheyer operating as the primary ball handler. He has the best assists to turnover ratio on the team. An added benefit of Scheyer handling the ball, especially late in the game, is his 86.7 percent career free throw percentage. Scheyer has averaged 3.6 rebounds per game with a single game high of 12 in the overtime loss to Pittsburgh last December. His strength is having the versatility to accomplish what is needed within the flow of the game.

As a freshman, Scheyer started 32 games, but last season Coach Krzyzewski moved Scheyer into the sixth man role. Coming off the bench, Scheyer played the third most minutes, behind DeMarcus Nelson and Kyle Singler, and was the team’s fourth leading scorer. The move from starter to sixth man did not affect Scheyer’s productivity.

Jon Scheyer’s performance during his junior season will be key to the success of the Blue Devils. He is now a very experienced upperclassman and with leading scorer DeMarcus Nelson lost to graduation, Duke will look toward Scheyer to be one of the players having the ball in his hands more often and taking additional shots. Being effective with those extra possessions is a must for the upperclassman. Scheyer does not need to score 21 points in 75 seconds, he just needs to continue being consistent and versatile.